Political Dig

Maria Butina, the 29-year-old Russian spy that was indicted on Sunday, begged to be released from jail while she waits for her trial only to be told by a judge on Wednesday that she must remain behind bars until that day arrives.

Butina pleaded “not guilty” on Wednesday in a D.C. federal court, but her bid to be released on bail was unsuccessful after prosecutors argued she is a serious flight risk. The decision was made after photos revealed she met with Russian intelligence at a local restaurant.

More evidence was revealed when prosecutors showed a handwritten note from Butina’s apartment referencing an employment offer from a Russian intelligence agency and a photo of her standing in front of the U.S. Capitol on the day of Donald Trump’s inauguration.

According to reports, Butina came into the U.S. to study at American University, but prosecutors claimed that it was just a cover-up to create a “back-channel” between the Kremlin and U.S. politicians.

“We do not believe she was here … just to attend American University,” said lead prosecutor Erik Michael Kenerson, adding that Butina was engaged in a “covert influence campaign.”

According to court documents, Butina dated South Dakota Republican Paul Erickson for his connections to the GOP and the NRA.